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Natural Disasters
Earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire
Probability: Very HighSeverity: ModerateMinutes (earthquake, tornado) to days (hurricane, flood)Updated April 18, 2026
Overview
Natural disasters are the most common emergency preppers will actually face. The type varies by region — hurricanes on coasts, earthquakes on fault lines, tornadoes in central plains, wildfires in dry climates, floods almost everywhere. Each has unique prep requirements, but all share the same foundation: early warning recognition, evacuation planning, 72-hour minimum supplies, and knowledge of local resources. FEMA recommends a minimum 72-hour kit; experienced preppers aim for 2 weeks.
Warning Signs
Weather service watches and warnings, unusual seismic activity, drought conditions plus high winds, rising water levels, visible smoke on horizon.
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)
- EARTHQUAKE: Drop, Cover, Hold On. After shaking stops, check for injuries, gas leaks, and structural damage
- HURRICANE: Evacuate if ordered — do not shelter in flood zones. Board windows. Have 7-day supplies
- TORNADO: Get to lowest floor interior room or basement. Mobile homes are not safe — evacuate
- FLOOD: Never walk or drive through flood water — 6 inches can knock you down, 2 feet sweeps vehicles
- WILDFIRE: Evacuate early — do not wait for mandatory orders. Fires move faster than you think
- All scenarios: Account for family members, take medications and documents
Short-Term Preparation
- Know which natural disasters are most likely in your specific region
- Have a 72-hour kit for each family member, including pets
- Establish two evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood
- Designate an out-of-area contact all family members will check in with
- Keep vehicle fuel above half at all times
- Know your home's gas, water, and electrical shutoffs
Long-Term Preparation
- Harden your home for regional threats (hurricane straps, earthquake anchoring, fire-resistant landscaping)
- Build 2-week shelter-in-place capability for your most likely scenarios
- Establish a Bug-Out Location in a safer area
- Install backup power for extended outages common after natural disasters
- Purchase flood, earthquake, or other disaster-specific insurance
- Participate in community emergency response training (CERT)
Essential Gear
- ▸72-hour Bug-Out Bags for every family member
- ▸NOAA weather radio for early warnings
- ▸Emergency whistle and light sticks for signaling
- ▸Water filter and purification (municipal water is often compromised after disasters)
- ▸Chainsaw and hand tools for debris clearing
- ▸First aid kit and trauma supplies
- ▸Copies of critical documents in waterproof bag
Key Skills
- ▸Knowing your regional threats and their warning signs
- ▸Rapid assessment of structural damage
- ▸Basic first aid and trauma care
- ▸Navigation without GPS (roads may be blocked)
- ▸Water purification
- ▸Shelter construction if home is destroyed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to evacuate — 'it won't be that bad'
- Not knowing your home's utility shutoffs before an emergency
- Underestimating wildfire speed — they can move faster than cars on narrow roads
- Driving into flood water — it is responsible for more deaths than any other flood factor
- Not having an out-of-area communication plan for family reunification